Brands Hatch Indy: Neal: There's still more to come from Honda

Matt Neal may be leading the early points standings but the Triple BTCC champion driver insists Team Dynamics still have some issues to iron out of the Honda Civic Type-R.

Triple British Touring Car Champion Matt Neal insists Team Dynamics still have some wrinkles to iron out with their Honda Civic Type-R, despite both cars sitting first and second after Brands Hatch.

Neal emerged as the early points leader ahead of his team mate and reigning champion Gordon Shedden, with the pair taking four podiums between them - including a win for Shedden - during the season opener.

The Halfords Yuasa racer was tight lipped over what Team Dynamics need to improve upon before Donington Park but admitted carrying 75 kilos of performance ballast - as virtue of leading the championship - will make qualifying critical.

"It's been a good weekend. All's well that ends well I suppose. It's close out there. That's why it's all been up and down. Qualifying is very critical so it's going to be tougher next time out at the weight," Neal told Crash.net.

"It always is close around Brands Hatch. Who knows? It could go any way at the moment. You've got the Hondas, Fords, BMWs and everyone else up there challenging. But we've got our own issues at the moment.

"We've got a few issues to iron out before we can go forward so we'll be working hard on that before Donington Park."

Nevertheless, Neal was still encouraged by the balance of his Civic Type-R, particularly while carrying weight on the soft tyre during race three, despite losing fourth to Andrew Jordan at the last possible moment.

"We've had a good balance. It was a good balance on the soft tyre. I was more pleased with the third race and I was with the first two. I was pleased to come through the field with the weight on but I wasn't pleased to get nipped right at the end by Jordan," Neal continued.

"I think the weight will be tough around Donington with how close it is. As I say, we've got a few things we need to iron out with the car first."

Having come away with an early championship lead to protect, Neal feels consistency must be accompanied with a certain level of attack, within such a ferociously competitive field.

"I don't think you can rely on just being consistent. You've got to go out there and attack every race, like it's the last goal because most of the others have nothing to lose. They just want points and they want wins so you have to fight for every point you can."